The AutoCyte preparation system for gynecologic cytology.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if thin-layer processing of cervicovaginal samples improves detection of cytologic abnormalities by reducing problems related to direct smear preparation.


METHODS
Eight hundred fifty-two cervical samples were collected as part of a multicenter trial of the CytoRich/AutoCyte system. The Cervex Brush was used for specimen collection. Following preparation of a conventional Papanicolaou smear, the brush was placed in a vial of fixative. A thinlayer CytoRich preparation was prepared by sedimentation following centrifugation through a density gradient and then stained by the AutoCyte Preparation System according to the manufacturer's guidelines. The two preparations were masked and screened, and a diagnosis was rendered. Abnormal results from were reviewed by a pathologist. The specimens were later unmasked and the diagnoses compared.


RESULTS
CytoRich and conventional cervical cytologic smears detected an equivalent number of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) (27 vs. 29) and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (19 vs. 21). Both methods missed an equivalent number of SILs (four vs. five). CytoRich detected more infections (151 vs. 115) and had 66% fewer nonspecific inflammatory diagnoses. CytoRich also had fewer "limited" adequacy evaluations (211 vs. 236).


CONCLUSIONS
CytoRich preps improve adequacy; increase detection of infections, such as candidiasis and trichomoniasis; and are accurate in the diagnosis of SILs. CytoRich appears to be an equivalent and possibly better preparation for cervicovaginal cytology.
Howell
L P
LP
Department of Pathology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento 95817, USA.
Davis
R L
RL
Belk
T I
TI
Agdigos
R
R
Lowe
J
J
D001331:Automation; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D002499:Centrifugation, Density Gradient; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D011232:Chemical Precipitation; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D002577:Uterine Cervical Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002575:Uterine Cervicitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology